Financial Planners are often thought of as only used by wealthy people when the reality is that many everyday Australians are, and should be seeing a financial planner.

Secondly, Financial Planners are often thought of as product sales people for the big institutions, and with more than 85% of Financial Planners in Australia being aligned or employed by the institutions this understanding is not surprising.

My own license is through an Australian Financial Services Licensee that is privately owned by a small group of like-minded people. I have also called myself a Strategist, as I can offer advice on a wide range of Financial Strategies including Real Estate, Superannuation, Investments and Estate Planning. Finally, I don’t take any investment commissions or a percentage of your investment for my fees.

So you still don’t know what I do? That is not surprising; many Australians don’t. Here’s how I can help you:

  • Superannuation

Where is your Super? How is it invested? Are you comfortable with the potential for it to go down as well as up? How much is it costing you?

These are the simple questions, and if you can’t answer all of these questions confidently then you should see a Financial Strategist.

In addition, if you are looking at purchasing property inside superannuation, are over the age of 55, are approaching retirement or just want to know how much you need to retire then these are also things that a Financial Strategist can help with.

  • Protection

Insurance is not a dirty word. Your ability to earn an income is vital to your ability to retire at the age you want to, and in the manner you want to. Aside from accident and illness other events that can stop you from working could be a child with an illness, a spouse that is temporarily or permanently unable to care for children, and many more.

What happens if you or your spouse got Cancer, or had a heart attack? A couple that are both 40, non-smokers, have in excess of 22% chance that one of them will have a stroke, a heart attack or get cancer before they turn age 65. Could your finances survive this? Would you be able to take time off work to care for your spouse and your family without financial worry?

Did you know that often some or all of your insurance is being paid out of Super? Is this the right thing for you, or is it needlessly depleting your retirement savings?

If you have not reviewed your insurance recently you should seek assistance.

  • Investment

Do you want to retire when you can access your Super (moving to 60 years old, and with increasing potential for this age to increase if the Government so decides)? How do you allow for the years before you can access your Super?

Are all your investments in one type of asset? Property? There is a reason why the quote “It is the part of a wise man to… not venture all his eggs in one basket” from Don Quixote has remained relevant for more than 410 years.

Find out how to have your investments managed in a way that allows you to sleep at night.

  • Holidays

Who ever said saving was fun? Having a Financial Strategy does not mean no more coffees, no more dinners out or no more holidays.

Having a Financial Strategy is knowing that you can have all those things and know that you are on track to reach the goals that you want to reach.

  • Estate Planning

Did you know that Superannuation assets are not dealt with in your Will? Do you know who will get your Super if you pass away today? Don’t forget your super may include your Life Insurance.

What else would you like to do with your money when you die? Would you like to see some of it put to good use before you pass? Have you ever thought about a Charitable Foundation?

  • Education

Do you need to save for a child’s education fees? Private High School, University or is it just a car, help with a deposit for their first home, or a kick-start to life?

There are a number of options to save for these events, but they are not all equal. If you just put money away in an investment or savings account, you may add to your taxable income year in year out. There are ways that this does not need to be the case.

  • Life

Life can throw us curve balls, and often when you least expect it. My father was telling a story about when my grandfather passed away, and the difficulty that my grandmother had with the simple day to day tasks of paying bills and managing investments and tax affairs.

This situation does not only occur because of a death; many people find themselves in this situation because of divorce as well; not knowing what to do with a lifetime of investment decisions they were not on top of.

On the happier side of Life, in my experience, many people are scared to spend in retirement for fear of running out. With a properly created strategy, many can spend money enjoying life, with the knowledge that they will have more than enough to enjoy life for as long as they may live.

If you need a strategy for your financial life, then you need to seek professional assistance.

  • Business

Are you in business with your brother or sister? Maybe a friend or maybe someone completely un-related.

Have you considered who gets your Business Partner’s share of the business if they unexpectedly pass away? Have you got a strategy to ensure your income is able to continue at this time? Have you got sufficient funds to buy your Business Partners shares? Can you work with your new Business Partner?

Unless you have a strategy in place to deal with this unfortunate occurrence it often means the end of the business and the end of the income.

These are a few of the ways that a financial strategist can assist you. If you wish to explore any of the above further, please don’t hesitate to contact me on john@forwoodplanning.com.au or on 07 3103 3038

John Forwood and Forwood Planning Pty Ltd ATF Forwood Planning Trust are Authorised Representatives (No. 1007813/1238510) of MyPlanner Australia Pty Ltd AFSL 345905.

The information provided above is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate. Individuals must not rely on this information to make a financial or investment decision. Before making any decision, we recommend you consult a financial planner to take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation and individual needs.

For our full General Advice Warning and Privacy Policy please go to www.ForwoodPlanning.com.au